And competing teams can offer him no more than a six-year, $67.5 million deal.

Sheffield is in the second year of a six-year, $61 million deal.

Martin was signed to a six-year deal worth $6 million a year, far above market value.

Jones said the owners would now prefer a six-year deal.

Instead, in 2001, he accepted the Yankees' offer of a six-year deal for $17 million.

Anderson wants out of Jersey, too, and this week he turned down a six-year deal worth $40 million to make the point.

They have signed Rivers to a six-year, $40 million deal.

Last year was the first of a six-year deal worth slightly more than $7 million.

One reason for his optimism is the six-year deal with the players association.

Van Horn is going into the third year of a six-year, $73 million deal.